Toronto: Arts and Culture for March 2019 on the Bloor Street Cultural Corridor

Friday, March 1, 2019

This month, take time with family or friends to visit the arts and culture destinations along Bloor St. West! There are March Break camps at the Royal Ontario Museum, Miles Nadal JCC, Bata Shoe Museum, and others. Explore the sights and sounds of Bathurst St. revisionist history: 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media + Education, The Music Gallery, and A Different Booklist Cultural Centre have teamed up to celebrate Bathurst St.'s prominent West Indian Community. Drop by literary events at the Native Canadian Centre, A Different Booklist Cultural Centre, and Toronto Reference Library during the 40th annual Toronto Storytelling Festival. What stories do you want to learn about our history, and other cultures? You can find it all on the Bloor St. Culture Corridor!

The Music GalleryThe Music Gallery, A Different Booklist and 918 Bathurst St. collaborate for Myseum of Toronto'sRevisionist Toronto programming for 2019. Bathurst Street in and around the Annex has never received much regard as a music street in this city's cultural history. This event/exhibition explores a wealth of musical heritage from venues to shops and the musical personalities who animate the neighbourhood. The prominent West Indian community historically located on Bathurst St. around Bloor will be a central focus of this session. A panel discussion, archive exhibition and a parade will shed new light on a perennially bustling neighbourhood. For more information visitmusicgallery.ca.

Gardiner MuseumThe exhibitionAi Weiwei: Unbrokenis now open! This must-see exhibition marks the debut of a new large-scale LEGO zodiac, and features some of Ai's most renowned works, on display in Canada for the first time. Dive deeper into the exhibition's themes with theAWW Free School, a series of interdisciplinary workshops presented in partnership with Ryerson University. The first session takes placeon March 5, and features an in-gallery spoken word exercise followed by a contemplative clay session.On March 6, theGardiner turns 35! We're celebrating with a weekend of free admission and family programmingfrom March 9- 10. Starting in March, the Gardiner will have new extended hourson Wednesdaynights, with half-off admissionfrom 4 - 9 pm. Learn more atgardinermuseum.com

Toronto Reference LibraryVisit Toronto Reference Library throughout March for engaging literary talks and cultural conversations in the Bram & Bluma Appel Salon, and our new literary series,The Other Shelf, where we present exceptional writers in a smaller space. Hear poet, essayist, cultural critic, and author Hanif Abdurraqib discuss his new book,Go Ahead in the Rain: Notes to a Tribe Called Queston March 4.Journalist and author Aatish Taseer discussesThe Twice-Born, a memoir of personal reckoning and self-discovery that revolves around questions of culture and politicson March 12.The prize-winning, bestselling author Helen Oyeyemi discusses her bewitching and inventive new novel,Making Gingerbreadon March 22. For the Recordis an interactive mixed media exhibition in the TD Gallery which illuminates the role Soundsystems and DJs, as the backbone of hip hop culture, played in the emergence of Toronto's now globally successful popular music scene. Explore the full lineup:torontopubliclibrary.ca.

The Royal ConservatoryThe 10th anniversary concert season continues at Koerner Hall.Noa and Mira Awad, both from the Middle East, share the stage and "show a situation that we believe is possible"on March 2.Noa, who will perform her heartfelt songs with long-time collaborator Gil Dor is Israel's leading international singer/songwriter, having shared the stage with superstars such as Sting. Palestinian singer, songwriter, actress, and cultural activist, Mira Awad, will perform with her pianist, Guy Mintus.Farruquitois the "heir to one of the most renowned flamenco dynasties in Spain." (The New York Times)On March 7and 8, he will unveil his most personal side - staying true to traditional roots while also presenting the current state of flamenco, as he sees it, including improvisation. Finally, the gifted vocal students from The Glenn Gould School present Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's popularThe Magic Flutein Koerner Hallon March 20and 22, conducted by Nathan Brock and directed by Joel Ivany. For more information and tickets, please visit rcmusic.com.

A Different Booklist Cultural CentreADBCC has some exciting events in March! The month begins with ADBCC's Black Cinema and the Aesthetics of Activist featuring the screening ofThe Blind Stigmadirected by Stacy-Ann Buchananon March 1.Don't miss ourLet's talk Entrepreneur...Dinner with the Bank on March 4where you'll have the opportunity to dine with the experts and have your questions answered. R.I.S.E Edutainment features spoken word poet Aisha Farahon March 7.Anna Kertz and Sage Tyrtle presentsTrue Stories About Small Girls on March 9.The Toronto Storytelling Festivalscomes to ADBCCMarch 18 - 22.Under the theme "Stories told eye to eye, mind to mind, heart to heart" and includes international, national, and local tellers featuring Scottish Traveller Jess Smith, traditional Seannachaidh Seoras Macpherson from the Isle of Skye, Donald Smith from Edinburgh, Festival Elder Ron Evans, UK storyteller Peter Chand and music producer PKCtheFirst, Louise Profeit-LeBlanc from the Nacho Nyak Dän First Nation in northern Yukon, Sharon Shorty from the Tlingit, Northern Tutchone and Norwegian people in southern Yukon, and many more.On March 23, author Eleanor P. Sam launches 'The Wisdom of Rain'. Please visitadbcc.orgfor more information and the complete calendar of events.

Royal Ontario Museum

The ROM celebrates International Women's Day with theROM Speaks lecture History vs Women,featuring media critic and advocate Anita Sarkeesianon March 5. Openingon March 9, the special exhibitionTreasures of a Desert Kingdom: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, Indiafeatures the alluring jewellery, lavish tents, and opulent decorative arts of one of India's greatest former kingdoms. FromMarch 9-17, family friendly adventures await thisMarch Break at the ROM! Explore art, culture, and nature from around the globe, with special programming running dailyfrom 10:30am - 4pm. Discover the ancient history of Chinese cuisine and food cultureon March 26at theROM Speaks lecture Uncovering the History of Food Culture in China: An Archaeological Perspective. Archaeologist Gary Crawford will explore over 8000 years of Chinese agricultural history to uncover its influence on Chinese culture and cuisinetoday. For more information visit rom.on.ca.

Toronto ConsortMusic has the power to unite. Welcome director Nina Stern and critically acclaimed early- and world-music ensemble Rose of the Compass as they present an extraordinary program that celebrates the diversity of faith and musical traditions of the city of Jerusalem. InFour Quarters of Jerusalem, listeners will travel through the Muslim, Christian, Armenian, and Jewish Quarters as oud, kanun, recorders, and chalumeau act as gateways to ancient lands - creating a diverse soundscape while unifying us in the hope of understanding and acceptance. Running for two mights only: March 8& 9 at Trinity-St. Paul's Centre, 427 Bloor St West. Tickets start at only $26. Buy online attorontoconsort.org.

Alliance Française TorontoMany events to come in March at Alliance Française Toronto, starting with two events about the brilliant artist Frida Kahlo. First,a talk about Frida Kahlo in French by Sophie Faucheron March 6, and the play Frida Kahlo-Correspondencewith Sophie Faucher and the Mariachi Figueroa,on March 8.On March 16, enjoy a show byJudith Cohen and her guests: Women of the world, a real travel around the globe through music. Don't miss the second world music concerton March 23:Carine au Micro in partnership with Batuki, a vibrant voice and innovative performer of the African music scene in Montreal. The MovieThursdayseries starts withThe Sourceon March 7, then a broadcast of anOpéra by Verdion March 14, followed byC.R.A.Z.Y.on March 21, and ends withGrave of the Fireflieson March 28.And for young audiences: the showTales from the windwill playon March 31.For more information please visitalliance-francaise.ca.

Bata Shoe MuseumIt's March Break Madness at the BSM! FromMarch 9-17, kids aged 2-12 can step into Hollywood at the BSM with the March Break program,Lights, Camera, Action. Every floor of the museum will feature 'on location' opportunities for some star-studded fun. As a warm-up to March Break,on March 2, the BSM is hosting a session of theToronto Storytelling Festival. Join storytellers Carol Ashton and Sally Jaeger as they entertain little ones with stories, rhymes as songs.On March 3, the museum is excited to welcome students from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music forMusic in the Museum, a free concert of 1930s inspired jazz. Join BSM curator Elizabeth Semmelhackon March 6for an illustrated talk inspired by the exhibitionWANT: Desire, Design and Depression Era Footwear, which will be followed by a tour of the gallery. For more information or to purchase event tickets, please visitwww.batashoemuseum.ca.

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir welcomes world-renowned Bach specialist Masaaki Suzuki to directBach St Matthew Passion,March 21-24, 2019. In a standout highlight of Tafelmusik's 40th anniversary season, Masaaki Suzuki, multi award-winning conductor and founder of the Bach Collegium Japan, makes his Tafelmusik debut conducting one of Western culture's most iconic masterpieces. Bach's musical telling of Christ's final hours is a monumental work for vocal soloists, two orchestras, and two choirs including members of the Toronto Children's Chorus. It combines drama with devotion, questions as much as it reassures, and contains some of Bach's most beautiful and exquisitely crafted music. In its depth and spirituality, St Matthew Passion is a work that speaks to the whole of humanity. Tickets are selling fast! Call(416) 964-6337or visittafelmusik.org.

Miles Nadal JCCMarch at the MNjcc begins with a bang!Taiko Ensemble Nagata Shachuignites the Al Green Theatre in Illuminateon Sunday March 3.On Thursday March 7 at 1:30pm, all are invited to a free cinematic tribute to beloved critic, Kevin Courrier inKevin's Favourites. Shlomo Schwartzberg and Adam Nayman will be discussing the films that the late Kevin Courrier loved and taught. Celebrate some of Canada's finest Opera singers - performing in some of their most celebrated roles in a five-part lecture series:Great Canadian Opera Singers, with Iain Scott,beginning Monday March 18.Get your royal on at thePurim Groove Family Partyfeaturing Drag Queen Storytime, Queen Esther's Dance Party and much moreon Sunday March 17 from 10am - 1pm. Join in more Purim fun withI Have A Song For That: A cabaret starring Nancy Whiteand her witty pianist Bob Johnstonon March 21 at 1:30pm. FromMarch 2-27, 6ix Clicks presentsFocus on Our Elders- a photo exhibit in the Gallery. Visit mnjcc.org for more information.

University of Toronto Faculty of MusicThe University of Toronto Faculty of Music opens March withWhat Makes It Great?: Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Stringswith Rob Kapilow and the U of T Stringson March 4.U of T Jazz ensembles are joined by an exciting line up of visiting artists including saxophonist Tony Malaby on March 6, trumpeter Tim Hagans and composer Andrew Rathbun on March 21performing Rathbun's Juno-nominated Atwood Suites, and composer and saxophonist John Oswald on March 27. March 14-17U of T Opera presents its spring mainstage production ofMozart's La Finta Giadiniera. Weekly series Thursdaysat Noonconcludes with DMA Competition winner pianistJialiang Zhuon March 7, violistEthan Filnerand the Gryphon Trio'sJames Parkeron March 14and theNorcop/Koldofsky Winners' Recitalon March 28featuring baritone Korin Thomas-Smith and pianist Joy Lee. Details at music.utoronto.ca.

The Japan Foundation, Toronto

Join The Japan Foundation, Toronto this March Break to see the new prints added to the current exhibitionLandmarks From Before It Was Called Tokyo: Hiroshige's One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, which runs toApril 13, 2019.On March 15the entire family can enjoyFinal Straw, an inspiring documentary about the natural farming movement founded by Masanobu Fukuoka. It will be followed by the feature anime Lu Over the Wall directed by Masaaki Yuasa.Saturday March 2& 16 the gallery and library is open11am - 4pm. The freeBring Your Own Bento- Drop-in Lunchtime Language Lesson continueson March 13, 12pm - 1pm. Later in the month, they have a co-presentation of the heart wrenching emotional filmGrave of the Fireflieswith Bloor St. Culture Corridor partner, Alliance Françaiseon March 28.The feature anime was directed by Studio Ghibli co-founder, Isao Takahata. More details available atjftor.org.

Museum of Estonians Abroad (VEMU)In March at the Museum of Estonians Abroad/VEMU a new photography exhibit will be openedon March 7 featuring photos of the architect Uno Prii's work by Leala Hewak and William Eakin.March 13 at 7pm, the British author Neil Taylor will present his bookEstonia: A Modern History, with a talk in English, admission by donation. Since the fall of 2018, theEstonian Music Weekteam has been working on something new: the EMW Culture Club (EMWCC). This is a membership-based exclusive clubs that offers admission to 4 different concerts taking place throughout the year within one membership fee. For more information please visit vemu.ca.

Istituto Italiano di Cultura

On March 8at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, enjoyItalian Opera Libretti: Words Weaving Wonder, and Music. The talk will consider the literary specificity of the Italian opera libretto considering historical, political, and literary contexts, to fully comprehend the development of its form. It will address questions such as the literary dignity of the libretti, poetry vs music and the changing role of the librettists through time. The IIC, in collaboration with Studio Zaven and MUSE Factory of Projects, presentFrom A to Zaven. As trained and talented product and graphic designers their world easily switches from bi-dimensional to tri-dimensional, with a flawless stream of ideas, being the second a natural consequence of the first. The space at IIC Toronto had been a source of inspiration for displaying a variety of works, from grids to lamps, able to pass the over-all way of a solid profession and a distinguished methodology of work. ClosingMarch 15.For more information visitwww.iictoronto.esteri.it.

Hot Docs Ted Rogers CinemaThis March, Hot Docs and The Globe and Mail's annual ideas festival,Curious Minds Weekend, returns with three days of illuminating talks with Donna Brazile, Marlon James, Rebecca Traister -plus, pop culture panels on The Power of Beyoncé, The Handmaid's Tale, and much more! On the big screen, experience the historic Atlanta Pop Festival in 1970, whenJimi Hendrix played to a massive crowd of 300,000 people at his last major show ; go behind-the-scenes of the legendary jazz label inBlue Note Records; delight in the enduring magic of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince in Charles Officer's Invisible Essence: The Little Prince, and get to knowGarry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable, the prolific photographer who told the story of America in the 1960s and 70s and transformed the art of street photography. Visithotdocscinema.ca for more information.

918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts, Media + Education Join 918 Bathurst Centre for Culture, Arts Media + Educationon Sunday March 24for a three-way Bloor St Culture Corridor collab:The Music Gallery, A Different Booklist and 918 Bathurst Present: History Series: History of Bathurst St. Soundsfor a special exhibit of historical ephemera from Bloor St music venues. Bathurst Street in and around the Annex has never received much regard as a music street in this city's cultural history. The exhibit will explore a wealth of musical heritage from venues (Lee's Palace, the Trane Studio, the Randolph (aka Bathurst St.) Theatre) to shops (Honest Ed's and Sonic Boom record shops, and Third World Books/Too Black Guys-an early meeting place for hip hop heads in Toronto) and the musical personalities who animate the neighbourhood. The prominent West Indian community historically located on Bathurst St. around Bloor (so vividly chronicled in the photo exhibition Welcome To Blackhurst Street) will be a central focus of this session. Visit918bathurst.comfor more information.

Toronto Storytelling FestivalThe Toronto Storytelling Festival hostsStorytalks at A Different Booklist Cultural Centre: The People's ResidenceMarch 18 - 22.Under the theme "Stories told eye to eye, mind to mind, heart to heart", the festival will host many international, national, and local tellers including Scottish Traveller Jess Smith, traditional Seannachaidh Seoras Macpherson from the Isle of Skye, Donald Smith from Edinburgh, Festival Elder Ron Evans, Louise Profeit-LeBlanc from the Nacho Nyak Dän First Nation in northern Yukon, Sharon Shorty from the Tlingit, Northern Tutchone and Norwegian people in southern Yukon and UK storyteller Peter Chand alongside music producer PKCtheFirst, and many more. Visit theToronto Storytelling Festival website for full schedule details at torontostorytellingfestival.ca.